Living with Kidney Disease: How to Take Care of Your Dialysis Access
Your Dialysis Access Is Your Lifeline If you're on hemodialysis, your vascular access — whether it's an AV fistula or an AV graft — is the single most important piece of your treatment. It's the connection that allows the dialysis machine to clean your blood effectively. Taking good care of it can help it last longer, reduce complications, and keep your dialysis treatments running smoothly. Here are practical steps you can take...
AV Fistula vs. AV Graft: Which Dialysis Access Is Right for You?
Understanding Your Dialysis Access Options If you've been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and need hemodialysis, one of the first decisions you and your medical team will make is how to create a reliable access point for your dialysis treatments. The two most common long-term options are an arteriovenous (AV) fistula and an arteriovenous (AV) graft. Both serve the same purpose — providing a high-flow connection that allows the dialysis machine...